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Event Detail

Monday, February 25, 2013

The US and International Law: Challenges for the Obama Administration’s Second Term

John B. Bellinger III, currently Partner at Arnold &
Porter LLP and former Legal Adviser to the Secretary of State
(2005-2009) and the National Security Council (2001 - 2005) will
discuss the challenges of international law faced by a second Obama
administration, including the legality of drone use.

As the State Department Legal Adviser-a Senate-confirmed
position and the most senior international lawyer in the U.S.
Government-Mr. Bellinger directed more than 170 lawyers on domestic
and international law matters affecting U.S. foreign relations.
Before joining the State Department, Mr. Bellinger managed
Secretary Rice's confirmation process and co-directed her State
Department transition team. In 2009, Mr. Bellinger received the
Secretary of State's Distinguished Service Award.

Mr. Bellinger has argued cases before the International Court of
Justice (Mexico v. United States-(Medellin)) and the Iran-United
States Claims Tribunal in The Hague. He has appeared on numerous
briefs in U.S. federal courts, including the Supreme Court, in
litigation involving international law issues.

As Legal Adviser to the NSC, Mr. Bellinger advised the
President, Cabinet officials, the National Security Adviser, and
NSC staff on a wide variety of national security and international
law issues. He was present in the White House during the 9/11
attacks and later represented the White House in dealings with the
9/11Commission; he was one of the principal drafters of the
legislation that created the Director of National Intelligence.

Prior to his service in the Bush Administration, Mr. Bellinger
served as Counsel for National Security Matters in the Criminal
Division at the U.S. Department of Justice (1997-2001); Of Counsel
to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (1996); General
Counsel of the Commission on the Roles and Capabilities of the U.S.
Intelligence Community (1995-1996); and Special Assistant to
Director of Central Intelligence William Webster (1988-1991).